Alune

ALP

developing

Alternate Names: Patasiwa Alfoeren, Sapalewa

Dialects: Central East Alune (Buriah-Weth-Laturake), Central West Alune (Niniari-Piru-Riring-Lumoli), Kairatu, North Coastal Alune (Nikulkan-Murnaten-Wakolo), South Alune (Rambatu-Manussa-Rumberu). Rambatu dialect reportedly prestigious. Kawe , may be a dialect. Lexical similarity: 77%–91% among dialects, 64% with Lisabata-Nuniali ,, 63% with Hulung , and Naka’ela ,.

Genealogy:

Austronesian

Malayo-Polynesian

Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian

Central Maluku

East

Seram

Nunusaku

Three Rivers

Amalumute

Northwest Seram

Ulat Inai

Demographics: 17,200 (2000).

Language Use: People in the interior, the majority, use it daily. Coastal village usage less vigorous. Southern dialect in Kairatu village has no remaining speakers. Also use Indonesian [ind].

Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: 50%–65%. Literacy rate in L2: 40%–55%. NT: 2012.

Writing System: Latin

Nation of Origin: Indonesia

Other Comments: Largest language in west Seram. Christian.